“Yeah, I’m fine, Mum. How are you and Dad?” I ask, smiling to myself because I know what I’m about to get as a reply, and that’s exactly what I need tonight. To just feel normal and be that little boy who felt safe in the arms of his mum. I put myself in a dangerous place, and although I would do it all over again, it’s nice to just be worrying about my father’s bowel habits tonight. God, I can’t believe I just thought that.

“I’m really glad you took him to the doctors like I asked. I’m sure he is feeling so much better now.” I try not to laugh at my mother’s sigh as she agrees that a doctor was better than her diagnosis off the internet.

“How is our beautiful Harper, is she right there beside you?” Mum’s voice picks up an octave as she gets excited that she might get to speak to her. And my chest tightens because I wish I could answer yes.

“No, unfortunately. She needed some time to work on herself so has moved in with Flynn and Felisha for a little while.” It’s like someone is pushing on my chest, saying the words out loud.

“Oh, love, I’m sorry. You two are so good together. Do you need me to talk to her? Because I can, you know, woman to woman,” Mum says with all the conviction that she can fix this for me, and I can’t help but laugh now.

“No, Mum, I don’t think that’s necessary.”

“Well, I hope you haven’t given up. I hope you are fighting for her, making her see how you feel.” I can imagine my mother standing in front of Harper right now being my greatest cheerleader, because that’s what all good mums do.

“I’m trying, Mum, throwing my whole body into it.” Literally.

“Good. Well, I’m sure she will see it soon. She’s a smart girl, that one, and she deserves someone sweet like you.”

I’m not sure Harper will ever see me as sweet, but I’ll take that from my mum.

“Thanks, Mum. Say hi to Dad for me, and I’ll see you both soon. Love you both.”

“Love you too, Son, good night.”

Sitting with my phone in my lap, I’m left understanding how hard it must be for Harper not to be able to just talk to her father whenever she likes. Missing a parent is hard, and I think the last few days I have learned to appreciate my parents even more than I did before. Life’s short, don’t take it for granted.

Pulling into the underground parking of my apartment building, I see Flynn’s car in one of the visitor’s spots, and I let out a groan.